One of the largest freshwater fishes in
the world, the arapaima can reach a length of 9 feet or
more and a weight of 440+ pounds. It is usually gray in
color, with an orange speckling near the posterior end.
The dorsal and anal fins are set well back near the tail.
Like other members of its order, this fish has a bony
(toothed) tongue, which it uses to dismember prey.

Distribution and Habitat

The arapaima inhabits a variety of
freshwater habitats in the Amazon River basin, including
floodplain lakes, large tributaries, and flooded forests.
Its exact habitat fluctuates with the seasons;
lakes and river channels are favored during the dry
season, while flooded forests become much more important
during the wet season. Because the waters it inhabits are
oxygen-deficient, the arapaima must "come up for
air" every 10-20 minutes.

Diet

Arapaima feed primainly on other fish,
but will take birds or other animals that come their way.
Although they prefer to hunt near the surface, they will
dive for food if necessary.

Reproduction

Mating and egg laying occur when water
levels are low, generally from February into March. The
fertilized eggs are deposited into a nest (usually on a
sandy bottom) that is about 20 inches across and 6 inches
deep. Both parents guard and aerate the eggs until they
hatch, which occurs when the water level begins to rise,
usually between May and August. The female typically
leaves the nest area once the young begin to hatch,
leaving all responsibility for the hatchlings to the
male. The male keeps the young in close proximity at all
times, and will take them into his mouth whenever danger
is present. He will continue to protect his young until
they are large enough to fend for themselves.

Conservation Status

Because they tend to stay near the
surface, arapaimas are easy targets for spear fishermen. Some
indigenous communities consume the arapaima's meat and
tongue and collect its large scales, which are fashioned
into jewelry and other items. Although it is not known
whether the total number of arapaimas in the wild has
declined, there has been a noticeable decrease in the
number of individuals at the maximum end of the size
range (in other words, the average maximum length and
weight has decreased).